Blood Clan

Serenity's Plain Secrets #19

by Karen Ann Hopkins

Sheriff Serenity Adams is in for her wildest and most disturbing case yet, as she navigates an ever-growing Amish community within her jurisdiction, and its possible ties to sex trafficking.

While Serenity and Daniel work on resolving their marital troubles, violence erupts in Blood Rock. They must join forces with unlikely allies and follow the grim clues through multiple states. Becoming more and more entangled in the dark and sinister underworld of the global sex trade, they discover how victims were silenced for years.

When Serenity and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs, they take desperate measures to unravel the truth before more innocents are exploited in this chilling and evocative newest installment of Serenity's Plain Secrets.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Amish

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

You can visit Karen Ann Hopkins at her website: www.karenannhopkinsfiction.com.

"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author

Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.

Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.

To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.

Reviews

[fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

*this ARC was provided by the publisher via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review*

I went into this book not having read any of the others in the series, and while I could tell there was backstory I was missing, it still mostly worked as a standalone. That said, this one didn’t land for me—and here’s why.

Early in the story, there’s a historical reference explaining how the town of Blood Creek got its name: an Indigenous tribe retaliates against white settlers, violently scalping and killing them during a Sunday church service. While this is presented as part of the town’s origin story, the depiction still felt outdated, harmful, and unnecessary. It leans heavily into the tired “savage Native” trope, which continues to misrepresent and oversimplify Indigenous cultures—especially in a context where they’re portrayed as one-dimensional and bloodthirsty. This kind of narrative has been done (and overdone), and in 2025, I expect more thoughtful representation.

Beyond that, the story pivots toward Amish culture, which was interesting and had some cultish vibes I didn’t mind. There’s definitely tension and darkness in the themes, and I stayed curious throughout. The pacing was fine—I got through it quickly—so it was readable, if not particularly gripping.

The writing, though, felt very YA. The dialogue came across as a little juvenile, and at times I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I also couldn’t wrap my head around why the main character’s husband was just… on the case with her? His presence didn’t really make sense and pulled me out of the story.

All in all, this wasn’t a terrible book, but it wasn’t a hit for me either. I appreciated the quick pace and the religious/cultural tension, but I wanted more depth, better character work, and more thoughtful choices around the historical framing. There’s definitely an audience for this one—especially among readers already invested in the series—but I’m not sure I’ll continue with it from here.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and this is my honest. This is a mystery that starts with a spectacular crime and continues with so many twists that I had no idea where it was going next. Karen Ann Hopkins writes about the Amish communities in different places and is obviously familiar with the people and variations in their community rules from one to another. In this story there are obvious tensions when a large number move en masse from Pennsylvania to Indiana. I have only read book 1 in the Serenity Plains series before, but I had no trouble picking up the story of Serenity 's private life. I have read the first 4 or 5 books in the Possum Gap series, also about Sheriff Sadie Mills dealing with her local Amish community, among other factors. In one of those books Sheriff Serenity visits Possum Gap to work with Sheriff Sadie and they became good friends. I actually read this book in a day because I couldn't put it down. The end of the story is quite disturbing but Serenity is determined to make sure the guilty are bought to justice - continuing in another book. The descriptions of people and place, characterizations and storytelling are excellent. It's no wonder that both these series are so long!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Serenity and her family join many Amish and Englishers from the Blood Rock community at the annual Frontier Festival held every fall in a large field just outside of town. This idyllic fall day is destroyed in an instant leaving a large number of festival goers broken and dying. I was glad to see Daniel and Serenity working together to figure out what happened in their town. Collecting and sifting through clues was a great way for Daniel to spend time with Serenity and get an idea of what is involved in resolving a criminal case. This story was just as exciting and unpredictable, and it seemed to bring Sheriff Serenity and her husband, Daniel, closer together securing their marriage. I always enjoy reading one of Sheriff Serenity's adventures into the criminal world. But, this was a special edition because she was not arguing with her husband or leaving him worrying about her safety while she was chasing down the bad guys. Really Great Read!!!!!

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Serenity Adam’s series, and this book is just as strong and as good as the other 18. There is more focus on Serenity and Daniel’s relationship, which might have made it a different style of book, but in this case worked really well. The Amish way of life is again in focus, and just adds to the interest for the reader, as we learn more about their values, background and beliefs. I also like the way that the story goes into another state, and one of the authors other series. Add in to that a really good investigation, and Karen has another excellent read to add to her library.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Clan is the 19th book in the Serenity's Plain Secrets by Karen Ann Hopkins. I have enjoyed all the previous books, but I believe this one was my favorite of all of them. I loved the way that Serenity and Daniel, finally seem to be coming into their own in the relationship. I loved how he was such a major part of the story line in this book. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

I received and ARC from BookSirens or free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily

[Monica Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this not having read the rest of the series. I felt pretty good and didn’t feel like I missed a lot of background from prior novels. It was a solid read for me. It was neat having a different society of people- the Amish- involved and lead to a more interesting storyline and character dynamics. The end shooting was a little weird for me, I feel like it ended too quickly and wasn’t well thought out. Otherwise I did really enjoy reading this.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I already felt that way about the series as a whole but this story was one of the best. Rather than centering primarily on the sheriff and her deputy it presented a more holistic view of Serenity’s relationships with her husband and her close friend. Of course the Amish culture played a huge part in this book. Definitely one for the TBR pile!

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was supposed to be a fun day of family activities and friends getting together. It turned out to be anything but. Now Serenity and her husband Daniel are out to find answers to why someone would plow through a crowd of people with no remorse. When they find the why and the who, will they be able to live to tell the story? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Kathryn Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner for me and I read it in one sitting

I'm not convinced of the procedural correctness of many things, but it made for a great story with a lot of action.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Now I'm certainly planning to read the rest of the series.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved this book. It pulled me in and I could not put it down. Lots of twists and turns. Truly horrible things occurred but all made for an entrancing book.

[Barbra Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

As usual, Karen Ann Hopkins has knocked it out of the park!
I absolutely love Serenity and everything she stands for. Her relationship with her husband makes me jealous tho.

[Kenneth Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serenity is new partner

Karen keeps the plot moving and twisting . I can not turn the pages fast enough to lean the next path Serenity will take. Karen is a skilful artist keeping your interested till the end.

[Billie Cleckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intense.

This book was the kind that is hard to put down and go to sleep. It was very interesting to me as I grew up in the area around Amish communities. This is a must read and I will be looking for more of this authors books.

[Debbie Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent series. I feel like I am losing a friend after reading the 19 books in this series and am now caught up. Great series, very interesting characters and storylines. Waiting for the next book in the Possum Gap series by this author.

[diannscollins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evil is Everywhere

I took one star off because there were too many characters in this story. It was impossible to keep them straight. The Amish do themselves no favors with all their secrets. The story was interesting but also sickening.

[John Penrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Karen has written another wonderful novel ! Who has ties to the next story she is going to write She weaves a wicked web!

[Joanne Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous story!

At 77. I've been reading g .mysteries and thrillers for thevast.majority of my life No one can keep me on the edge of my seat quite like Ms. Hopkins!

[Debbie Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spell binding

Another excellent book in the series. I cound not put it down. Always looking g forward to the next book after I read one

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series as it is completely different to others that I have read and gives an insight into different communities - well researched it feels and works well. It is an easy read

[Anne Melville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner

I loved this book. Hopkins outdid herself. I also suspect her next book will be set in a place mentioned at the end of the book. This is a real page turner.

[Katie Jablonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serenity strikes again!

Another amazing book in the Serenity series- full of twists and turns, keeping me on my toes to see what happens next!

[Casimir J Matuszak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This was a great story. The plot was well outlined. The characters were interesting, but more important we’re believable. Definitely worth recommending.

[Jan Stier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

There's never a dull moment with Serenity, and this plot was no exception. Sex trafficking, especially of young children, an evil beyond compare. I just wish...

[bob merkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing drama!

I do not know how Karen doesbit, but every story she writes is so undertaking and better than one before...a truly amazing author!

[Peggy Puetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad but good.

This was talking about the Amish and it was very good but sad. Lot of things the Amish don't know about and and it becomes a shock of what was happening to them.

[John Roach, · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent story

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it